Flea and Tick Control: A Multi-Level Approach

Pet flea and tick control is a multi-step process. Adult fleas and ticks spend most of their time on an animal, but flea eggs, larvae, and pupae are most often found in the pet's environment - especially in carpeting, bedding, and under furniture edges. For every flea that you see on your pet, there are likely to be hundreds of eggs and larvae in your home and yard. Ticks can hide just about any place and are difficult to eradicate. Think about the "3 Ps" when you want an easy and effective flea and tick control program.

PURGEIf your dog already has a flea and tick infestation, your first step is to eliminate the parasites from your pet. Choose a flea and tick spray to keep adult fleas and ticks off your pets and to keep the insects from reproducing. Or, bathe the parasites off of your dogs with a flea and tick shampoo made for dogs that kills fleas and ticks. A good flea and tick shampoo will also leave your pet’s skin supple and his coat shiny.

PROTECTYour home is a desirable flea habitat because the fleas are shielded from the outside elements. They will stay inside all year round if you do not continually protect your home. This involves mechanically removing all stages of the fleas, killing any remaining adults, and preventing immature forms from developing. The only way to win the battle against fleas and ticks is to use this multi-focal approach. Be systematic and thorough and you will find that you and your pet can enjoy life without these pests.

INDOOR CONTROL

Use products that contain adulticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to get all stages of the flea life cycle and to kill ticks. There are three essential steps to indoor control.

Vacuum regularly and thoroughly, especially below drapes and under furniture edges. Use a flea and tick carpet powder to get deep down into the carpets. You may also wish to sprinkle carpet powder on and vacuum your carpeted cat furniture. Remember to enclose the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and discard it away from your home.

Wash your dog's bedding weekly. You may also wish to spray an inverted carpet spray on drapes, rugs, and upholstered furniture. This can also be used on dog bedding and resting spots.

Use foggers to get into areas like baseboards, moldings, and cracks – anywhere bugs might be hiding. Choose the product(s) you use with care, taking into account the presence of children, fish tanks, birds, and persons with asthma, and read labels thoroughly.

OUTDOOR CONTROL

For outdoor control, regularly use a yard spray for your backyard, garden, and outdoor kennel areas.

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